Method of applying an injectable filler

Abstract

Methods for applying injectable fillers are provided. In some embodiments, the methods can extend effectiveness of the injectable filler. In some embodiments, the methods can provide for an elevated level of effectiveness of the injectable filler. In some embodiments, the methods can prolong the effectiveness of the injectable filler.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for providing a target area of a subject with a continuing increase in firmness, volume, or firmness and volume following a re-treatment session of an injectable filler composition, said method comprising:
 performing an initial treatment session on the subject, said initial treatment session comprising a first injection of a hyaluronic acid, thereby providing an increase in volume, firmness, or volume and firmness to the target area; and 
 performing the re-treatment session on the subject, said re-treatment session comprising a second injection of the hyaluronic acid into the target area at a time subsequent to the initial treatment session but at a time before the subject displays an apparent need for application of an injectable filler, wherein the initial treatment and the re-treatment session are spaced apart in time to result in the subject maintaining at least a 1 point improvement in a global aesthetic improvement scale score for 18 months after the initial treatment session. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subject receives no additional injections of said hyaluronic acid to the target area for 18 months after the initial treatment session, except for the re-treatment session. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subject's global aesthetic improvement scale continues to improve for at least 9 months following the re-treatment session. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subject's global aesthetic improvement scale continues to improve for at least 13 months following the re-treatment session. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subject maintains at least a 3 point improvement in the global aesthetic improvement scale score for 18 months after the initial treatment session. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the re-treatment session is performed 1-9 months after the initial treatment session. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the hyaluronic acid comprises cross-linked hyaluronic acid. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the hyaluronic acid comprises a non-animal-stabilized hyaluronic acid. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the initial treatment session results in a full correction of the target area. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the initial treatment session comprises the first injection and a touch-up application within less than 1 month of the first injection. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 1 , wherein a rate of absorption of the second injection of the hyaluronic acid is slowed due to the initial treatment session. 
     
     
       12. A method for providing a target area of a subject with a continuing increase in firmness, volume, or firmness and volume following a re-treatment session of an injectable filler composition, said method comprising:
 identifying a subject that will benefit from a continuing increase in a volume, firmness, or firmness and volume of a target area during a period following a re-treatment session, wherein the volume, firmness, or firmness and volume increases throughout the period; 
 performing an initial treatment session on the subject, said initial treatment session comprising a first injection of a hyaluronic acid, thereby providing an increase in volume, firmness, or firmness and volume to the target area; and 
 performing the re-treatment session on the subject, said re-treatment session comprising a second injection of the hyaluronic acid into the target area at a time subsequent to the initial treatment session but at a time before the subject displays an apparent need for application of an injectable filler, wherein the initial treatment and the re-treatment session are spaced to result in the subject maintaining at least a one point improvement in a wrinkle severity rating score for 18 months after the initial treatment session. 
 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12 , wherein the subject receives no additional injections of said hyaluronic acid to the target area, except for the initial treatment session and the re-treatment session. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one point improvement in the wrinkle severity rating score is maintained for at least 12 months after the re-treatment session. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one point improvement in the wrinkle severity rating score is maintained for at least 13.5 months after the re-treatment session. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 12 , wherein the re-treatment session occurs no earlier than 3 months after the initial treatment session. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 12 , wherein the hyaluronic acid comprises cross-linked hyaluronic acid. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 12 , wherein the re-treatment session comprises administering no more than 60 percent of an amount of the first injection of the hyaluronic acid used in the initial treatment session. 
     
     
       19. A method for providing a target area of a subject with a continuing increase in firmness and/or volume following a re-treatment session of an injectable filler composition, said method comprising:
 performing an initial treatment session on the subject, said initial treatment session comprising a first injection of a hyaluronic acid, thereby providing an increase in volume and/or firmness to the target area; and 
 performing the re-treatment session on the subject, said re-treatment session comprising a second injection of a hyaluronic acid into the target area at a time subsequent to the initial treatment session but at a time before the subject displays an apparent need for application of an injectable filler, wherein the initial treatment and the re-treatment session are timed such that an improvement score for the target area continues to improve for at least 10.5 months following the re-treatment. 
 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 19 , wherein the first injection of the hyaluronic acid comprises non-animal-stabilized hyaluronic acid, and wherein and the second injection of the hyaluronic acid comprises non-animal-stabilized hyaluronic acid.